My Philosophy

I've discovered that the time we spend together in the beginning of the relationship is crucially important to your end result. For me to provide you with 'Extraordinary Service', I must understand your needs and expectations. We will identify your objectives, your reasons for either purchasing a home or considering a move, and your idea of a perfect experience. Next we will determine the specifics of price, terms, and timing. Then I will recommend an Action Plan to meet your objectives. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss your needs and expectations.

Whether you are a buyer or seller our time is focused on "all about you".

As a buyer's agent our consultation will focus on the process of elimination versus selection. I will make absolutely sure that you don't miss anything; that you don't pay too much. Some homes we will look at online, some we will drive by, and some we will go in. It doesn't matter to me who lists the home or if it's a For Sale by Owner, my goal is to get the right home for you- period. I will ask you to fill out a buyer's questionaire at our first meeting to get us off on the right track the first time we meet.

As a seller's agent I will drop off a Pre-Listing package prior to our initial consultation that I respectfully ask you to review prior to our meeting. This packet includes a myriad of information including your Seller's "homework" which you will fill out as best as you can and we'll finish it up when we get together. I will do a market analysis; we will arrive at the price together; we will handle staging, brochures, relocation, and the plethora of market preparation and guidance that cannot be covered in a website.

Service

One of the most important skills an agent can offer their clients is the ability to negotiate successfully on their behalf. I believe that real estate by nature is a bartering business. Thousands of client dollars are potentially lost or saved in any single transaction depending upon the knowledge and skill of the particular agent with whom a client chooses to work. I work in one of Windermere's most productive and competitive offices. If you were to ask any of my associates to name one trait that best describes me, their answers would all be the same- "She's the hardest working person I've ever met."

Expertise

The myriad of challenging situations that I have successfully negotiated during my 28 years as an agent in the Seattle market has fine-tuned my expertise in this arena and continues to substantially benefit my clients. Seattle Magazine continuously awards me the "Five Star BEST IN CLIENT SATISFACTION" designation. The FIVE STAR Award is the only one of its kind that incorporates both client and industry professional evaluations. It is an exclusive award, given to only 7 percent of professionals in a given industry and market area. I am an industry leader.

I am up to date on all real estate laws and codes. I have extensive training in both marketing and sales. I am also a Short Sale Specialist (CSSN) and have sound knowledge on the new HAFA laws (Making Home Affordable), also known as the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Law as well.

I have a good understanding of the mortgage and accounting industries as well as strong computer skills and extensive knowledge of the ever-changing Internet.

I am also an ASP®, Accredited Staging Professional- Accredited ASP® Stagers are true Professionals trained under strict guidelines using proven Staging techniques. When you bring your home on the market and Stage® your home for sale always hire an ASP® because ASPs® must pass a detailed written examination, agree to follow the ASP® Code of Ethics.

I am a REALTOR® and I strongly believe in its strict Code of Ethics.
Lastly, I have also completed the Real Estate Buyer Workshops to continually keep ahead of the ever-changing needs of buyers. I have effectively transitioned hundreds of buyers into successful satisfied homeowners and then into friends.

Background

In 1977 I graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in business administration; finance major with emphasis in Real Estate.

I moved to Denver Colorado where I began my real estate profession working for a smaller firm, Vintage Properties and within five years I became a partner. In 1984 fate intervened - I took a trip to the Great Northwest and the rest is history. I fell in love with Seattle from the moment I landed.

I wanted to work with a company that had strong ties to the community and Windermere was a "no-brainer". The clincher for me was the fact that when I asked friends or people on the street who they would use to buy or sell a home they always said Windermere. Windermere was the company they trusted and I've been with Windermere since 1985.

A successful career in real estate means constantly evolving to the ever changing conditions; branching out and embracing change and new technologies. I truly cherish my past clients who have been the key to my accomplishments. Yet I also enjoy selling Foreclosures and Short Sales- those Asset Managers and Banks that put their trust in me contribute to my achievements today.

I have enjoyed my many years in Seattle practicing my profession of choice and making many new friends along the way. I have two girls, both teenagers, and three dogs and we live in an old house in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. We enjoy good soccer games, gardening, reading, hiking, and traveling together.